Solas-Solando says the “unreasonably hot” drink began to burn her hands almost immediately upon taking hold of it, the hot liquid spilling out of the top of the cup and causing her clothing to melt, according to the lawsuit.

That’s when Solas-Solando’s dog Alexander, apparently alerted by her “screaming for help and writing and moaning in pain” jumped onto her lap and was himself scalded.

“Alexander was taken to an emergency veterinarian hospital,” the suit alleges.

“Alexander ultimately succumbed to the injuries caused by the tea, dying a short time later.”

These are the fatal burns suffered by a Colorado woman’s dog that she alleges in a lawsuit were the result of a Starbucks beverage that was too hot.

Court Documents

Solas-Solando was taken to Rose Medical Center for treatment, and says she eventually received skin grafts from the Swedish Medical Center Burn and Reconstructive Unit after receiving second-degree burns to “2 per cent of her total body area,” specifically on her thighs and stomach.

Solas-Solando is seeking in excess of $75,000 USD in damages according to her suit, alleging among other things that the Starbucks barista did not follow company policy in using a double-cup for extra-hot beverages.

The suit also alleges that a “wall-timer” graded employees on the speed with which they can move customers through the drive-thru, contributing to the alleged carelessness which led to her injury.